A little love, for HR

A new working year has dawned and I am delighted to be back, into my 23rd year as a Human Resources professional. Yes, that's right - I AM proud of my profession and the great work we do. But boy, do I feel like I have to come our swinging a little this year!

On my much-needed recent break, I spent time with extended family and friends and met interesting new people from all walks of life. When the conversation turned to work, I noticed a change in the air when I mentioned my ongoing HR consulting. Some glossed it over and quickly moved to change the topic; many mumbled something about, "wow, we could really use your help in MY workplace", laughing uncomfortably; but some, to my surprise, sneered or even downright attacked HR in general, of being everything from a "waste of space" to "petty bureaucrats you can't trust" and even "just people who create problems to catch us all out". I was shocked by this last group - and a little upset to say the least. And I want to start off 2025 by setting the record straight.

The field of Human Resources (HR) has evolved significantly over the 20th and 21st centuries. Originating in the early 1900s as "personnel management," it focused on administrative tasks and compliance, and then grew and shifted in focus as did the evolving employment and business landscape. Modern HR now focuses on talent management, diversity, technology integration, and fostering employee well-being, making it a critical driver of organisational success in the global economy. Yet so many people still have an outdated, fixed idea of the profession, and no interest in how far HR practice and professionalism has evolved. I've heard us called "Hiring and Firing", "The Fun Police" and even "The tears and picnic department" (which did make me giggle), but we do so much more.

The modern HR professional has to bring so many skills to the role - strategic awareness, strong business acumen, outstanding people skills, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution techniques, change management and critical thinking skills, DEI awareness, deep love for human beings and all their funky behaviours, a strong legal brain, systems-level thinking, an eye for detail and outstanding customer service with a smile!

We help provide strategic direction, work hard to create psychosocial and physical safety and an inclusive environment, welcome people to the new chapter of their working lives, help get them back on track when they have stumbled, educate, encourage and empower wherever we can, help drive culture and communication, solve untold petty workplace problems on the fly, and provide a soft place to fall in emergencies and difficult times. We uphold standards, fight for what works for our people, and do it all with an unfailing sense of hope that if we keep up the work, and keep influencing for good, then everyone in our care will find their way to a happier, healthier and more satisfying working life.

So in 2025, when we come at you with a form to complete, a policy to sign off, or a mandatory training to attend (annual bullying and harassment refresher, anyone?), please, take a moment to see what it is we are wanting to achieve. Our goal, is to contribute to a fairer, better, healthier working environment for all. We may achieve this using systems that you find cumbersome, or overly detailed - and sure, we don't always get it right - but we are trying to balance the incredibly complex needs of the humans in our business, and the needs of the business itself. This requires us to walk an invisible tightrope, holding multiple streams of consciousness and concern in our minds at the same time, and constantly weighing up our to-do lists - all while maintaining a calm and rational exterior. There are many different ways to practice HR, as many as there are, ways to be a Leader - but we are all working to make things better, safer and a little happier for all. Please remember that as you head into work this year, and take a moment to smile and welcome your HR people back to THEIR year of work, too. We need encouragement and a friendly word just as much as the next person :)

(And a word to the C-Suite while I am at it - in 2025, it is more important than EVER to have your HR / People & Culture people involved at the highest level. The fast-growing needs of the modern workforce, the rising tide of stress-related mental health issues in the population, and the increasingly complex regulatory environment mean that your People Specialists are ESSENTIAL to the success of your organisation. The long-overdue conversation about giving an HR person "a seat at the table" is happening everywhere - and it would be foolish to ignore the incredible value that the HR team adds to YOUR business. Please, consider making it a priority to include them more in your higher-level work this year.)

Happy 2025 everyone, have a wonderful year of work - and if you don't, remember who will be there with a box of tissues on the bad days, and to help get you up and running again - the HR team.

Catherine Bell is the Director of Bell Training Group, with a passion for helping people shine at work. Through her Consulting, Workshops, Coaching and Programs she has helped over 20,000 people level up their professional skills, through using their authentic Character Strengths, Emotional Intelligence and great Leadership. Catherine is an in-demand Keynote Speaker and specialist in the science of Wellbeing, working with clients around Australia and the world. Find out more at www.belltraininggroup.com.au